Bikram Yoga

"Bikram Yoga is is a series of 26 postures conducted over 90 minutes, beginning with one warming up breathing exercise, progressing through 24 postures and finishing with one toxin eliminating breathing posture. This series of postures systematically and scientifically works through the entire body. Each posture is completed twice, each leads on from the next, preparing the body. The room is mirrored to allow for greater body awareness and to refine and deepen our postures with easy self-correction. Classes are held in a heated room. The warm room allows for greater flexibility, it minimises muscle strain, lactic acid build up and reduces the chance of injury, allows for greater cleansing of the body and helps build tremendous stamina and endurance."

I decided to start doing yoga not too long ago when I noticed that a Bikram Yoga studio opened very near to my house. My lower back has become an issue, and I needed to start doing something to strengthen it and also prolong the inevitable back surgery. I did some research and this yoga option seemed to be perfect. I signed up for 2 weeks, and had my first lesson today. I understand why they tell you NOT to eat before class. I could have thrown up so easily because of that humidity. The room was set to 105 degrees. Anyway, the first exercise was easy. Pranayama - standing deep breathing.

No problem.

The second exercise was tougher, but still fairly simple. My lower back, or my hamstrings wouldn't quite allow me to go as deep as some of the other women, but I still did pretty good.

Pada Hastasana - Hands to feet pose. Not too bad.

Let's skip ahead, shall we??

I can say with complete confidence, that while I was not as nimble as some of the older, more experienced ladies in the class, I did each of those moves as best as I can. I sweat my ass off, and certainly felt invigorated and excited after class was over. My lower back did not hurt one bit. In fact, it felt great. Let's see if I can get my forehead down to the ground and a leg wrapped around my head. Todd, try not to get your hopes up. ;)

My favorite pose of the morning was Savasana - corpse pose. I did that one the best.